Former Argentina head coach, Jorge Sampaoli, has described Lionel Messi as a “silent leader”.
He also explained what makes the Paris Saint-Germain superstar a “genius” on the pitch.
Sampaoli has the opportunity to work closely with Messi when he managed the Argentina national team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Some reports have claimed that the pair did not always see eye to eye, but the coach still views Messi as a footballing genius.
“Directing Messi is directing a genius, he is a person who is above everyone, he knows even when are you going to lose and when are you going to win? With two glances he gives you a parameter of what is happening, he is a silent leader, but he understands what is going to happen,” Sampaoli told Chilean outlet ADN Deportes.
“He knows when the team that has prepared itself has no chance of winning, he knows, beyond his technical abilities and his ability to read the game, that’s why he’s a genius.”